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1956 w. w. DRUMMOND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING FIBERS 2Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 31, 1950 Z'mnentor: WARREN WEJYDELL FJZUMMUND.

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Feb. 28, 1956 w, w. DRUMMOND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING FIBERSFiled May 31, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Zhwentor:

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United States Patent "ice METHQD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING FIBERS'Warren Wendell Drummond, Newark, Ohio, assignor t0 Owens-ComingFiberglas Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application May 31,1950, Serial No. 165,260

6 Claims. (Cl. 19-144) This invention relates to the production offibers or fine filaments from fiber forming materials and moreespecially to method and apparatus for forming, collecting andprocessing mineral fibers or strands of mineral fibers derived from heatsoftenable materials. In connection with fiber forming and collectingprocesses heretofore employed, it has been a practice to form fibers orfilaments into strands and collect them upon a drum from which they weresubsequently unwound and further processed for various purposes anduses. Such processes have been in a measure unsatisfactory for severalreasons. In collecting a strand of fibers upon a drum, the nature of theoperation results in the establishment of a high degree of tension inthe collected strand, and as the convolutions of the collected strandbuild up on the drum there is a tendency of the fibers to cohere and toabrade and sever one another by reason of such tension in the strand.

In processes of the above mentioned nature the collected fibers orstrands may be severed to form hanks or groups of fibers. It has beenfound that by reason of the tension set up in winding the fibers orstrands upon a drum, that the fibers of the individual groups or hankscohere with such tenacity that they may be separated only withconsiderable difliculty involving mechanical picking operations whichfurther augment the interabrasive action of the individual fibers withthe consequent result that the fibers are greatly weakened.

The present invention eliminates or minimizes the difiiculties aboveenumerated and embraces a novel method and apparatus for forming,collecting and processing mineral fibers or filaments rendering themadaptable for use in manufacturing and fabricating a variety of productson an economical basis.

The invention has for an object the provision of a method of formingfibers or filaments by attenuation from heat softenable materials in amanner whereby continuous strands of fibers may be collected, or ifdesired, the collected fibers or strands may be severed to varyinglengths depending upon the uses or purposes intended.

The invention contemplates the provision of a method of forming andcollecting fibers or strands of fibers which is readily adaptable forthe formation, collection and disposition of continuous strands withoutdisturbing the continuity thereof, for the production of severed lengthsor groups of strands, the formation and collection of the fibers orstrands being carried on under conditions minimizing the tension in thecollected strands so as to substantially eliminate tendencies of thefibers or strands of fibers to cohere as well as to minimize theinterabrasive action through the reduction in tension in the collectedstrands.

Another object of the invention resides in the formation and collectionof a strand of fibers in a manner providing a comparatively looseorientation thereof whereby intercohesion of the fibers may besubstantially, eliminated.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a 2,736,076 PatentedFeb. 28, 1956 a flexible circularly shaped conveyor, said means beingarranged to move the collected materials away from the collecting zone.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of a flexiblestrand collector and conveyor of generally circular configurationwherein the strand collecting and conveying surfaces are movable in adirection to result in a helical orientation of the strands on thecollector conveyor means.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a method andapparatus which are particularly suitable for continuously attenuatingfibers from heat softenable, fiber forming material, the attenuatedfibers accumulated in a strand configuration and the strand collected bycompactly arranged means and wherein the strand may be formed andcollected at a high rate of speed whereby the cost of manufacturing andprocessing strand materrials is greatly reduced.

Still a further object is the provision of apparatus embodying means forwinding a continuous strand of fibers in a generally circular patharound a flexible surfaced conveyor or collector, the surface of whichis continuously movable in a direction to convey the collected strandaway from the strand collecting zone, the arrangement including compactfiber forming and strand collecting mechanism especially suitable forcomparatively high winding speeds with a minimum of tension so that theliability of breakage of the strand is substantially eliminated.

A further feature of the invention resides in the provision of anannular group of flexible elements movable in directions relative to astrand winding or assembling mechanism to continuously depositsuccessive convolutions of strand on the group of flexible elements.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a method andapparatus for collecting strand material wherein a treatment of resin,binder or lubricant may be applied to the convolutions of the collectedstrands, the particular treatment being determined by the purposes oruses intended for the collected strands.

A further object of the invention is the provision of apparatus forpracticing the method of collecting a continuous strand upon a movablecarrier or conveyor which is operable to convey the collected strandaway from the collecting zone and preserving the continuity of thestrand which is collected at a zone remote from the conveyor.

Still a further object of the invention is the provision of a strandcollecting and conveying means including one or more endless flexibleelements oriented in a manner to move a strand to a zone where thestrand may be deposited by the flexible elements in continuous form orthe strand may be severed to predetermined lengths while in collectedcondition on the conveying means.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this inventionsuch as relate to the arrangement, opera tion and function of therelated elements of the structure, to various details of constructionand to combinations of parts, elements per se, and to economies ofmanufacture and numerous other features as will be apparent from aconsideration of the specification and drawing of a form of theinvention, which may be preferred, in which:

Figure 1 is a semidiagrammatic view illustrating a means and method ofproducing fibers from heat softenable, fiber forming material andorienting the fibers into a strand;

Figure 2 is an elevational view partly in section illustrating a form ofapparatus of the invention for collecting and conveying a strand offibers or other linear material;

Figure 3 is a top plan view illustrating the material collecting andconveying means of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2 illustrating a modified form ofapparatus of the invention;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary detail sectional view taken substantially online 55 of Figure 4 illustrating a form of strand severing means, and

Figure 6 is an elevational view of a portion of the strand collector andconveyor illustrating certain features of the guiding means.

The method and apparatus forming the subject matter of this inventionmay be utilized to advantage in the collection and processing of linearmaterials, as for example, strands of fibers obtained from organic orinorganic fiber forming materials, but is especially adaptable for usein the formation and collection of fibers formed from heat softenablematerial such as glass or other materials which may be attenuated toform comparatively fine fibers. The forms of apparatus illustrated inthe drawings are particularly suited to form, collect and convey acontinuous strand of fibers formed from glass or other mineral material.As will hereinafter be explained the collected strand may be conveyed toa point of deposition in continuous condition or the strand may besubdivided to form groups of strands of predetermined lengths if it isdesired to utilize the strand or fibers thereof in subdivided formationfor further processing or fabrication with other materials. The strandof fibers may be of twisted or untwisted character as desired, dependingon the products to be fabricated embodying the fibers.

Referring to the drawings in detail and initially with respect to Figure1, there is illustrated a feeder 10 which may be in the form of aforehearth of a furnace or other receptacle adapted to contain a supplyof molten mineral, such as glass or other fiber forming material. Thelower wall of the feeder 1% may be formed with a series of outlets ororifices 11 through which the molten glass may flow to provide a numberof streams 12. The strand collecting and conveying means cooperates witha Winding mechanism providing a motivating medium facilitating theattenuation of the molten glass streams 12 into comparatively finefibers. The formed fibers are gathered into a strand or group by asuitable roll 14, and lubricant applied to the fibers in order tominimize surface friction and abrasion by means of the roll 14 to whichlubricant is conveyed by a tube 16 connected with a lubricant supply 17.The strand of fibers may be passed through a suitable guide or eye 18 asshown in Figure l to a winding mechanism.

One form of strand collecting and conveying means of the invention isillustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The strand collecting and conveyingmeans 2%) may be formed of one or more endless flexible elements orstrand carriers arranged so as to provide a substantially circular orcylindrical means on which the strand is deposited or collected. It isto be understood that the fiber forming means illustrated in Figure l ispreferably arranged above the strand winding, collecting and conveyingmechanism at a substantial distance so that the strand may be directedto the winding member with a minimum of change of direction to reducewinding tension.

The strand 15 is collected or wound on the conveyor 20 through themedium of a relatively movable cap or member 22 supported adjacent theconveyor and in the embodiment illustrated is adapted for relativerotation about the axis of the conveyor. A guide means in the form of adiabolo-shaped member or roller 23 is journally supported on theperiphery of the cap member 22 in position to engage the strand 15 anddirect or wind the latter in a circular path upon the conveyor 20.

It should be noted that the guide 13 is preferably positioned inalignment with the axis of rotation of the cap member 22, and therotation of the member 22 not only attenuates the molten glass or othermaterial to fiber form but imparts a twist to the strand 15 formed ofthe fibers. The twist is in most instancm rather small because of therelatively large diameter of the cylindrical means on which the strandis wound. For this reason it is desirable to provide an added degree ofintegrity to the strand to prevent unraveling thereof by applying anadhesive or binder to the strand, especially When the strands aresevered into lengths and used in forming a mat of short strands or as areinforcing medium for molded plastic articles and the like.

in the embodiments of the invention illustrated herein, the collectorand conveyor means includes one or a plurality of endless elementsformed of stranded wire cable, rope, reinforced rubber or other flexiblematerial having adequate tensile strength for the purpose. Asparticularly illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the arrangement isinclusive of four independent flexible elements 24, 25, 2s and 27 whichare preferably driven by a common or single means in order to assureuniform linear or axial travel of the strand engaging surfaces of theflexible elements. The apparatus is supported on a suitable base plateor frame member 29 upon which is mounted a cylindrically shaped support30 adapted to provide means for supporting and guiding the conveyorelements 24, 25, 26, and 2'7. The support 34 may be a length of largediameter tube, split as at 31 to admit of assembly of the flexibleconveyor elements, the juxtaposed edges of the support being joined bymeans of removable brackets 33, the upper edge portions of the supportbeing formed with slots or recesses 32 accommodating pulleys or guidingmeans 34. Each of the pulleys may be journaled upon a supporting shaft35 supported upon the upper peripheral portion of the tubular support 30or in brackets carried thereby. The lower portion of the tubular member3% is likewise provided with a plurality of peripherally spaced recessesor slots 36 to accommodate a series of pulleys 3'7 journally supportedupon stub shafts mounted on the tubular member 3% or in bracketssecuredthereto. If desired, a plurality of circularly arranged,vertically disposed struts may be used in lieu of the tubular support30, each strut being mounted upon the frame and arranged to support apair of guiding pulleys for a flexible'element or cable.

As particularly shown in Figure 3, the four flexible cables or elements24, 25, 26 and 27 of endless character are respectively threaded orlooped around four sets of upper and lower groups of pulleys, a setbeing disposed in each quarter section of the tubular support In theillustrated embodiment, there are six pulleys in each upper and lowergroup. In the first sector, one set of pulleys 34 and 37 support andguide the element 24. In the second sector, upper and lower groups ofpulleys 34 and 37' support the flexible element 25. The same arrangementis established for supporting and guiding the flexible elements 26 and27 in the remaining sectors, the four elements and their disposition ina generally circular or cylindrical shape presenting exterior axiallyparallel surfaces I adapted to receive the strand 15 wound thereon bythe cap member 22.

As illustrated in Figure 6, each group of lower pulleys or cable guidingmeans is supplemented with a pair of pulleys 39, one arranged adjacentand above each end pulley of the group. These pulleys serve to guide theend strand engaging portions of the flexible element and form atransition means whereby the flexible element may be guided around theend pulleys of the lower group so as to engage with an element drivingmeans. In this manner the strand engaging portions may be equally spacedperipherally of the support 30 as shown in Figure 3.

Iournaled upon the frame 29 is a pair of capstans or drums 40, the endpulley 34 of the group supporting the flexible element 24 being inradial alignment with the periphery of one of the capstans so that theelement 24 may be passed or looped around the capstans a sufficientnumber of times as may be necessary to secure a satisfactory frictiondriving connection between the capstans 40 and the flexible element 24.The pulley 37 at the other end of the first group of pulleys directs theelement 24 to a pulley 43 supported upon a stub shaft carried by theframe, and intermediate one of the capstans 40 and the pulley 43 is' anidler pulley 45. The idler pulley 45 forms a component of a tensioningmechanism for maintaining the element 24 in taut condition. Asillustrated the idler pulley 45 is journaled upon a shaft 46 carried bya clevis 47 having a tenon portion 48 extending through an opening in abracket or projection 49 carried by the frame 29. The end of the portion48 may be threaded to receive an adjusting nut, an expansive coil spring50 being disposed between the projection 49 and a collar 51 adjacent thenut, the spring exerting force on the idler pulley 45 in a direction toset up the desired degree of tension on the flexible element 24. Otherforms of tensioning means may be used as, for example, the adjusting nutmay be threaded on to the tenon portion 48 into direct engagement withthe projection 49 without the interpositioning of the expansive spring50 and in this manner establish a substantially nonresilient tensionfactor effective in a flexible element.

The capstans 40 are driven by suitable means in order to effect movementof the flexible cable 24. As illustrated the shafts 53 carrying thecapstans are provided with sprockets 54 which are overtaken by a drivingchain or other driving medium 55. The chain 55 is engaged'by a sprocket57 mounted upon the shaft 58 and is connected through suitable reductiongearing 60 with a motor (not shown) or other suitable source of power.

The arrangement for driving the flexible element 25 is the same as thatdescribed as utilized in driving the flexible element 24. Element 25 isthreaded over a pair of driving capstans 61, a pulley 62, an idlerpulley 63, the latter being part of a tensioning mechanism fortensioning the element 25 of the same character as hereinbeforedescribed in connection with the means for tensioning the flexibleelement 24. The driving capstans 61 are mounted upon shafts 66 which areprovided with sprockets 67 engaged by the driving chain 55 in the mannerillustrated in Figure 3.

The remaining flexible elements 26 and 27 are respectively driven bycapstans 68, 69 and associated means described in connection with thedriving of the flexible elements 24 and 25. It should be noted that eachof the driving mechanisms for effecting linear movement of the flexibleelements 24, 25, 26 and 27 are driven by common means viz. the chain 55so that the elements move at a uniform speed.

It is to be understood that a single flexible element of the endlesstype may be used in lieu of the four flexible elements 24, 25, 26 and 27if desired without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.A plurality of flexible collector elements is preferred however becauseof favorable mechanical expediencies.

The apparatus illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 is especially adapted forcollecting and conveying strand material in a manner whereby acontinuous strand may be removed or discharged from the conveyor withoutinterrupting its continuity whereby continuous strand material isavailable for subsequent fabrication in the production of variousarticles of manufacture. The flexible elements 24, 25, 26 and 27 arearranged in a manner so that the outermost or strand engaging surfacesthereof move upwardly or toward an open end of the conveyor in thedirection of the arrows as viewed in Figure 2, carrying the collectedstrand 15 thereon over the uppermost pulleys 34 to the interior spacebounded by the flexible elements. The continuous strand is deposited ina suitable receptacle 70 disposed beneath the conveyor 20. v

The strand winding member or cap 22 may be supported upon a suitableframe 71 disposed above the member 22. As illustrated, the frame 71 isprovided with guide bearings 72 in which is journaled a shaft 75, anantifriction thrust bearing arrangement 76 being arranged to support theshaft 75 and member 22. Driving means is provided for rotating the shaft75 and member22 and includes a pulley wheel 78 mounted upon the shaft 75connected by means of a belt 79 with a pulley 80 driven by a motor 82 orother source of power. The shaft 75 is formed with a portion 83 whichcarries the cap member 22. The shaft 75 is provided with a hollowinterior or channel 86 which has an outlet or opening 87 through whichthe strand 15 is channeled or directed to the winding member. The strandmay engage a suitable roller 90 carried by the cap member 22 to properlydirect the strand to the roller 23 over which the strand passes duringrotation of the Winding memberto deposit the strand upon the conveyor20. p

In the operation of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 through 3, thestreams of molten glass 12 produce fibers which are passed over theroller 14 and gathered into strand configuration 15 which is directedthrough the guiding member or eye 18, the channel 86 and an outlet 87 inthe shaft 75, thence over the guide 90 and roller 23 carried by the capmember 22, the latter beingrotated by the motor 82. The rotation of thecap member 22 continuously attenuates the glass streams into finefibers, and the strand 15 formed of the fibers is continuously wound ordeposited upon the collector and conveyor mechanism 20. concomitantlywith the rotation of the cap member 22 and the winding of the strand 15upon the conveyor 20, the flexible cables 24, 25, 26 and 27 driven bythe capstans 40, 61, 68 and 69 through the speed reducing mechanism 60advance the strand engaging surfaces thereof in the direction of thearrows as viewed in Figure 2. By this method the strand 15 iscontinuously collected upon the flexible cables in convolutedconfiguration and as the portions of the flexible cables carrying thestrands are moving axially of the conveyor, the convolutions of strandare thereby advanced in an upward direction. As the strand engagingsurfaces of the flexible elements 24, 25, 26 and 27 move around theupper groups of pulleys 34, the convolutions of strand 15 are movedaround the pulleys 34. As the successive convolutions reach the spacecircumscribedby the flexible elements, they are ejected thereinto andpass downwardly into the receptacle 70 where they are deposited incontinuous strand formation.

A continuous strand is thus formed by attenuating fibers, gathering theminto strand formation, collecting the strand upon a movable conveyorunder a minimum of winding tension, and moving the strand to a zone ofdischarge from the conveyor yet maintaining the continuity thereof sothat continuous strands are obtained for further processing, orientationor incorporation in other articles of manufacture. Continuous strandsare particularly useful as reinforcing mediums in manufactured articlessuch as resilient mats of mineral fibers, particularly those of glassfibers, reinforcement for mats of insulation materials especially forindustrial purposes, reinforcement laminae for laminated paper,cardboard and the like, and reinforcement for mats of mineral fibersutilized for wrapping pipes to prevent corrosion and deteriorationparticularly where the pipes are laid underground.

It should be noted that by varying the comparative speeds of rotation ofthe cap member 22 and the linear travel of the strand collecting andconveying cables 24, 25, 26 and 27 by changing the speed ratio of themech anism 60 or changing the sizes of the pulley wheels 78 and 80, thewinding speed of the strand 15 may be correlated with the linearmovement of the conveyorso that different amounts of overlap of theconvolutions of strands may be obtained or the speeds may beregulated sothat successive convolutions of strands deposited upon the conveyor donot overlap at all.

It is furthermore to be noted that the driving means for the strandcollecting and conveying cables is of a comparatively simple nature yetvery effective and reliable in its operation and one which occupiescomparatively small space. It is also of such a compact nature as torender the apparatus readily portable for use with different types andkinds of fiber forming means without material change or adjustment ofthe apparatus. The arrangement is admirably suited for producingcontinuous strand or linear material at comparatively high rates ofspeed resulting in eifective savings in the cost of such materials.

Figure 4 illustrates a modified form of apparatus for carrying out theprinciples of the invention. The strand collecting and conveying means2% is of the same character as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 and isinclusive of four flexible cables or elements mounted on a support andproviding strand collecting and conveying means, two of the elementsbeing illustrated in the sectional view at 25 and 26. The drivingarrangement for the flexible cables in this form of invention isidentical with that disclosed in Figures 2 and 3 hereinbefore described.In this form of the invention the strand collecting and conveying cablesare moved in the opposite direction, that is, the outermost portionspresenting the strand collecting and conveying surfaces are moveddownwardly in the direction of the arrows in Figure 4, thus carrying thestrand downwardly to a strand discharge zone.

A cap member of similar construction to the cap member 22 is providedwith a guide or roller 23 for directing or winding the strand on theconveyor formed by the flexible cables through the rotation of the capmember 1%. The cap member is preferably supported upon a shaft 1'01mounted in suitable antifriction bearings 192 and guide bushings 103supported by a frame 104. Driving means is provided for the shaft 101 inthe form of a motor 106, the shaft 107 of which is provided with apulley 168 driving a belt it overtaking a pulley 110 secured to theshaft 101. The motor 106 may be mounted upon a suitable bracket 112depending from the frame 104.

The form of the invention illustrated in Figure 4 is especiallyadaptable for continuously collecting strand material and conveying thestrand material to a discharge zone, the arrangement including means forsevering or dividing the continuous strand collected on the flexibleelements into predetermined lengths. in fulfillment of this purposethere is provided strand severing means which, in the embodimentillustrated in Figures 4 and 5, may consist of one or more severingunits disposed peripherally of the flexible elements in position toengage and sever the strands into desired lengths. One form of strandsevering means includes a severing wheel 115 mounted upon a stub shaft116 carried by a bracket 117 the latter being journaled by means of astub shaft 118 on a bracket 11! secured or mounted upon the frame 104,an expansive spring 12% biasing the severing wheel toward strandsevering position. The severing wheel 115 is adapted for cooperationwith an abutment roller 121 which may be journaled upon a stub shaft 122carried by a bracket 123. The backing roller iii may be supported by thetubular support 35', the latter being provided with a recess 125 formedtherein to accommodate the roller 121. The arrangement of strandsevering means illustrated is shown in Figure 5. The bracket 123 may besecured to the tubular support 35 by removable means such as screws 127whereby the severing unit may be disposed at any desired positionperipherally of the support 3%. The convolutions of strand aresuccessively cut by the severing wheels 115 as they move into contacttherewith. A plurality of severing units may be utilized and spacedabout the periphery of the strand conveyor 29, the particular positionsof the severing units depending upon the lengths of strand desired. Itis to be understood that any type of strand severing means may beutilized as for example an electrically heated wire or a strand severingflame may be utilized in lieu of the mechanical means illustrated.

Means may be provided for carrying away the severed lengths of strandfrom the severing or strand discharge zone. In the embodimentillustrated a shield or hood 130 encompasses the strand severing devicesand the discharge zone. A suitable tubular means 131 is in communicationwith the hood 130 and a suitable suction device employed to establish azone of reduced pressure or subatmospheric pressure within the hood 13%,the differential pressure causing the severed strands to be movedthrough the tubes 131 and discharged at a point remote I from the strandcollecting device.

For certain particular uses of the strands it may be desirable to applya resin or hinder to the convolutions of strand as they are collectedupon the flexible elements. As illustrated in Figure 4, a plurality ofnozzles or jets 135 may be disposed adjacent the collected strands forspraying or delivering suitable resin or hinder to the strand. Ifdesired, the resin may be cured by suitable heating elements or burners136 disposed adjacent the resin or binder applying devices.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modificationsand different arrangements may be made other than is herein disclosed,and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the inventioncomprehending all variations thereof.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for collecting and conveying fibers including a support; anendless cable; guiding means for supporting said cable whereby portionsthereof are disposed in adjacent relation presenting fiber collectingsurfaces; means for driving said cable at a substantially constant speedto move the fiber collecting surfaces simultaneously in one direction;means movable relative to the collecting surfaces for depositing fiberson said surfaces; means for establishing tension in said cable, saidcable guiding means being arranged to modify the direction of movementof the fiber collecting surfaces to effect a dis charge of the collectedfibers therefrom.

2. Apparatus for collecting linear material including a support; anonrotatable material collecting means including an endless flexibleelement associated with said support; said flexible element beingarranged whereby portions thereof are disposed to form a plurality ofmaterial collecting surfaces; means movable relative to the collectingsurfaces for depositing linear material on said surfaces; actuatingmeans for said flexible element to con tinuously move the materialcollecting surfaces in a direction lengthwise of the collecting surfacesto convey the material away from the collecting surfaces; guiding meansfor said element for effecting a change in direction of movement of thematerial collecting surfaces to effect disengagement of the materialtherewith, and means for maintaining said flexible element in a state oftension.

3. Apparatus for attenuating and collecting fibers in strand formationfrom streams of heat-softenable material including a rotatable member, anonrotatable strandcollecting means including an endless flexible cablearranged to present a plurality of strand-collecting surfaces,strand-guiding means carried by the rotatable member engageable with thestrand of fibers, means for rotating said member to attenuate the fibersby winding the strand of fibers upon the strand-collecting surfaces,means for continuously moving the cable at a substantially constantspeed to cause the strand to be deposited thereon in successive, spacedconvolutions and to convey the strand convolutions away from thefiber-depositing zone, said cable-moving means including a rotatingmeans including a rotating capstan in frictional engagement with thecable, means for rotating the capstan at a substantially constant speed,and a tensioning mechanism for maintaining said cable in taut condition.

4. The method of orienting a strand of mineral fibers including thesteps of continuously winding the strand around a generally cylindricalnonrotatable support with the strand convolutions deposited in spacedhelical formation, advancing the strand while in helical formation in arectilinear direction along the support into an enclosed zone, servingthe strand into predetermined lengths within the enclosed zone,establishing differential pressure in the enclosed zone to move airthrough the zone, and removing the severed lengths of strand from thesevering zone by the air moving through the enclosed zone.

5. Apparatus for attenuating and collecting a strand of fibers formedfrom streams of heat-softenable material including a frame, a rotatablemember, a nonrotatable strand-collecting means carried by the frame andincluding an endless flexible cable: a plurality of pulleys carried bysaid frame and supporting the cable whereby portions of the cable aredisposed in substantial parallelism, strandguiding means carried by therotatable member engageable with the strand of fibers, means forrotating said member to attenuate the fibers by winding the strand uponparallel portions of the cable of the strand-collecting means, drivingmeans for continuously moving the cable at a substantially constantspeed to cause the strand to be deposited thereon in successive spacedconvolutions and to convey the strand convolutions away from the fibercollecting zone, and resiliently biased tensioning means for maintainingthe cable in taut condition.

6. The method of attenuating and collecting mineral fibers including thesteps of continuously gathering a plurality of mineral fibers into astrand, attenuating the fibers of the strand by continuously winding thestrand around the exterior of a circular cylindrical formation of strandreceiving surfaces, advancing the strand receiving sur faceslongitudinally at a substantially uniform rate of speed to cause thestrand to be deposited thereon in spaced convolutions and to move theconvolutions away from the collecting zone, and altering the paths ofmovement of the surfaces in directions establishing a second circularcylindrical formation of the surfaces interiorly of the first circularcylindrical formation whereby the strand is continuously discharged fromthe surfaces into a zone bounded by'the second circular cylindricalformation of the surfaces.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,609,438 Stoll Dec. 7, 1926 1,960,743 Junkers May 29, 1934 1,969,770Taylor Aug. 14, 1934 1,978,826 Walton et a1. Oct. 30, 1934 2,135,072Forster Nov. 1, 1938 2,208,497 Coleshill et al. July 16, 1940 2,234,986Slayter et a1 Mar. 18, 1941 2,388,591 Andreas Nov. 6, 1945 2,439,903OConnell Apr. 20, 1948 2,527,502 Simison et a1. Oct. 24, 1950 2,691,852Slayter et a1 Oct. 19, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 101,457 Germany Feb. 6, 1899244,887 Great Britain Dec. 31, 1925

1. APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING AND CONVEYING FIBERS INCLUDING A SUPPORT; ANENDLESS CABLE; GUIDING MEANS FOR SUPPORTING SAID CABLE WHEREBY PORTIONSTHEREOF ARE DISPOSED IN ADJACENT RELATION PRESENTING FIBER COLLECTINGSURFACES; MEANS FOR DRIVING SAID CABLE AT A SUBSTANTIALLY CONSTANT SPEEDTO MOVE THE FIBER COLLECTING SURFACES SIMULTANEOUSLY IN ONE DIRECTION;MEANS MOVABLE RELATIVE TO THE COLLECTING SURFACES FOR DEPOSITING FIBERSON SAID SURFACES; MEANS FOR ESTABLISHING TENSION IN SAID CABLE, SAIDCABLE GUIDING MEANS BEING ARRANGED TO MODIFY THE DIRECTION OF MOVEMENTOF THE FIBER COLLECTING SURFACES TO EFFECT A DISCHARGE OF THE COLLECTEDFIBERS THEREFROM.